Story of Hawaii Museum open at Maalaea Shops

June 14, 2012

MAALAEA - The Story of Hawaii Museum is a unique exhibit that tells the tale of the islands presented in a new way: through historic maps, charts, documents and artifacts.

The display is set up in chronological order, so visitors can follow the history of Hawaii just by taking a stroll around the exhibit.

Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Maalaea Shops near Maui Ocean Center, the museum includes rare prints, maps and authentic antique pieces, some hundreds of years old.

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This souvenir map was published by Dole Pineapple Company in 1937.

The display begins with the Polynesian migrations of prehistory. It continues with examples of maps from the European voyages of exploration, the mapping of the Kingdom of Hawaii, as well as maps made during missionary and plantation days. It also includes examples of Hawaii maps from the Territorial period through World War II and statehood to the present.

Story of Hawaii Museum is the culmination of 20 years of experience selling maps at Lahaina Printsellers by co-curators Bryant Neal and Richard Mickelsen.

Together, these partners operate Tradewinds Production Group, the production arm of the museum that includes researching and creating interpretive and other materials for the display.

"Each map has a story to tell," said Neal. "This collection includes some of the most important maps in the history of Hawaii. The exhibit explains and describes Hawaii's role in the Pacific in terms that residents and visitors of all ages can understand and enjoy. From school kids on up, people will get an overview, the big picture of Hawaiian history. We hope that will spark their own intellectual pursuit."

Guided tours are offered hourly. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 years old, which includes a DVD about the mapping of Hawaii.